Lionel J. Smith

Lionel James Smith, Sr., lifelong resident of New Orleans and Kenner, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the age of 81. He was a giving soul with overwhelming generosity to family and friends.

Lionel was preceded in death by his parents, David J. Smith and Lucille Gangolf Smith Jourdan, his sister, Elaine S. Hardy (Buddy), and his brothers, Wayne P., Daniel P., and Stephen J. Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Josie Pecoraro Smith, his children, Susan S. Hibert (Thomas), Sandra S. Dubuc (Louis), and Lionel J. Smith, Jr. (Amy), his eight grandchildren, William (Ann) and Timothy (Amanda) Hibert, Jacob (Lesley) and Daniel (Allison) Dubuc, Catherine (Dennis) Carriere, and Zachary, Zoe and Samuel Smith, and his great grandchild, Liam Dubuc. He is also survived by his siblings, Kathleen S. Noto (Roy), Lucille S. Brehm (Clarence), and David J. Smith (Sharon), along with many nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Lionel was a sheet metal mechanic for 65 years. He founded Guaranty Sheet Metal Works in 1969, which touched the lives of many people and still thrives today. He was passionate about his craft and was instrumental in preserving the distinctive slate and copper roofs of his hometown and surrounding areas. He also was an artisan in the Folk Life Tent at Jazz Fest, displaying his sheet metal craft with his son.

Lionel was an active member of the Okeanos Carnival Club for over 40 years. He served as Co-Captain, an Officer, and reigned as King in 1996. Lionel served as an usher at St. Jerome Catholic Church, and was integral in the establishment of Highway Park Playground in Kenner. He enjoyed trawling, fishing, and hunting, as well as, seafood boils and card games with family and friends at his Northshore Beach “camp”. Never short of a good story to share, Lionel will be missed by many and held in our hearts forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 1:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10:30AM. The interment at All Saints Mausoleum will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please send Masses or consider a donation in Lionel’s memory to The Ashley Code Project, P.O. Box 24085, New Orleans, La. 70184 or by visiting www.theashleycodeproject.org.

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com